The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemned the defection of several Rivers State House of Assembly members. They have now joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on Saturday, the PDP described the defecting lawmakers as “political puppets.” They are said to be acting at the behest of their “paymaster.”

Among those who defected was the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, issued the statement. He called the defectors “clogs in the wheels of democratic progress” and “enemies of democracy.” The PDP has vowed to take legal action. This move aims to reclaim the party’s mandate from the defecting lawmakers.

PDP Condemns Lawmakers’ Actions

Ememobong noted recent reports on various media platforms. These detailed the redefection of some Rivers State House of Assembly members. He added, “They announced their defection from our party for a second time.” He recalled their earlier defection and subsequent recantation. Ememobong stated these individuals are widely known. They are doing the bidding of their “paymaster and demigod.”

He further asserted the Rivers State House of Assembly members showed their true colours. This has been evident since they assumed office. “They are political puppets,” he declared. “They are a clog in the wheels of democratic progress.” Ememobong stressed that history would remember them as “enemies of democracy.” They have also “made a mockery of the legislature.”

Ememobong concluded, “The easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC.”

Legal Action Promised

Consequently, the PDP will initiate legal steps. These steps will activate relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The goal is to recover the mandates secured under the PDP’s banner. These mandates have now been “ignobly and surreptitiously switched to another platform.”

The statement urged all party members in Rivers State to “remain faithful and resolute.” It assured them that efforts are ongoing to rebuild the party. This rebuilding focuses on “inclusiveness, fairness, and equity.”